Difference Between Black and Brown Mustards

Mustard seeds are valued for their aromatic smell. They add flavour to the foods. Generally there are three types of mustards namely white, brown and black. There are only very slight differences between all these three types of mustard seeds. When talking of brown and black mustard seeds, it is hard to make out the difference.

It is difficult to make out a difference between black and brown mustards by just looking at them. Even though they are called black and brown, representing the colours, it is most time difficult to make out a black mustard from a brown mustard.

The distinction between black and brown mustard is hard as both the seeds have almost the similar characteristics. One cannot make out a difference in the taste, flavour and usage of the black and brown mustards as they are almost identical. But still one can make out several differences between the two mustard seeds.

The only way to distinguish between the black and the brown mustard seeds is by looking at the size. When compared to the brown mustards, the black mustards are a little bigger in size.

Though it is hard to make out a difference in the flavour, the black mustards have a slightly strong flavour than brown mustard.

When brown mustards are mainly used for seasoning foods, black mustards are mainly used for regular cooking. In Asian coutries, the black mustards are more used in making pickles.

The black mustards, which come from Brassica nigra, are popular in Asia Minor and Middle East. The brown mustard, which is derived from Brassica juncea, has its origins in the Himalayas. Here nigra means black and juncea means brown. The brown mustards can also be called as Asian mustards as they are more used in this region.

Summary

1. The distinction between black and brown mustard is hard as both the seeds have almost the similar characteristics.
2. When compared to the brown mustards, the black mustards are a little bigger in size.
3. Though it is hard to make out a difference in the flavour, the black mustards have a slightly strong flavour than the brown mustard.
4. When brown mustards are mainly used for seasoning foods, black mustards are mainly used for regular cooking.
5. The black mustards, which come from Brassica nigra, are popular in Asia Minor and Middle East. The brown mustard, which is derived from Brassica juncea, has its origins in the Himalayas.

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Written by : Prabhat S.
and updated on November 20, 2010

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